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Gastric Band Risks

There are complications and potential risks that can result from any surgical procedure including Gastric Band surgery. These are usually rare problems, it is important to consider the possible risks when making a decision. The major risks include: Migration of implant (port displacement, band slippage, and band erosion); Complications related to tubing (tubing kinking and port disconnection); Leaking Band; Spasms of the esophagus; Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); Inflammation of the stomach or esophagus, and; Port-site infection. Following surgery your body will need to adjust to the gastric band that was recently implanted. Your recovery experience may not be the same as other patients. Diarrhea, constipation, acid reflux, regurgitation, and nausea are typical. However, abdominal pain that lasts more than 3 hours means that you need to go to your local emergency room or contact your Surgeon right away.

Regardless of the weight loss method, people who lose an excessive amount of weight are at a higher risk for gallstone development. Certain procedures, including surgery, may be required to remove the stones and/or gallbladder. There may be other side effects that are specific to you. You should report any unusual experiences to your surgeon. These side effects include: Vomiting and nausea, Stretching of the stomach; Stoma obstruction; Gastrointestinal swelling or inflammation; Enlarged heart; Dehydration; Diarrhea or Constipation; Collapsed lung; Chest pain; Abdominal hernia; Inflammnation of the gallbladder, gallstones, pain from passing a gallstone, or surgery to remove the gallbladder; having to have the surgical procedure repeated. There are also normal risks associated with any abdominal surgery, which include: Shoulder pain; Bleeding; Complications resulting from medications or anesthesia; Pneumonia; Deep vein thrombosis; Injury to esophagus, stomach, or surrounding organs; Infection; Pulmonary embolism; Stroke or heart attack, and least but certainly not last; Death.

One must consider Gastric Band surgery is a long-term implant. However, depending on several factors, replacement surgery may be required at some time in the future. These Include patients who become pregnant or severely ill, or for those with more extensive nutritional dietary needs may require deflation of their bands. Gastric Band Patients should not expect to lose weight as dramatically and as fast as a gastric bypass patient, and inflation of the Gastric Band should go forth in small increments. Certain anti inflammatory drugs, including aspirin, should be used with cautiously as these drugs are known to contribute to an increased risk of Gastric Band problems, including: Band slippage; Erosion and/or deflation; Obstruction of the stomach; Dilation of the esophagus; Infection, and; Nausea and vomiting may occur. These associated risk should be considered before undertaking this kind of surgery. Furthermore rapid weight loss may result in complications which may require additional surgery. Band deflation may alleviate esophageal dilation or excessively rapid weight loss, but once again these risks should be discussed thoroughly with your surgeon beforehand. These are some of the many considerations and risks involved in any Gastric band surgery and you should consult your Surgeon concerning any other additional warnings or adverse events or risks that may occur in your particular case.